Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Urban Honolulu, HI (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana

Urban Honolulu

Hawaii

175

New Orleans is 85% cheaper than Urban Honolulu.

$1,211/mo ↓ 32%

Median Rent

$1,783/mo ↑ 47%

$55,339/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$85,428/yr ↑ 54%

$296,400 ↓ 64%

Home Value

$834,100 ↑ 181%

$1,274/mo ↓ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,809/mo ↑ 42%

376,035

Population

346,323

Tax Comparison

4.25%

Income Tax

11.0%

4.45%

Sales Tax

4.0%

0.55%

Property Tax

0.32%

Affordability

26.3%

rent-to-income

Affordability

25.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Urban Honolulu, HI, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in New Orleans, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $30,089/year higher in Urban Honolulu. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $834,100 in Urban Honolulu.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Urban Honolulu — common questions

Is New Orleans or Urban Honolulu cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, New Orleans is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 175 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Urban Honolulu?

Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Urban Honolulu it's $1,783/month — a difference of $572/month.

Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Urban Honolulu?

Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $85,428 in Urban Honolulu. Median household income is $30,089/year higher in Urban Honolulu.

How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Hawaii?

Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax.

Should I move to New Orleans or Urban Honolulu?

It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/mo, while Urban Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with rent of $1,783/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.